Internet use and computer training for over-50s

To make the most of the internet, you'll need basic computer skills and if you haven't already got those then there are plenty of courses that can help you get started.

About the internet

The internet is an interconnected network, where millions of people are linked to each other via their computers. More and more people now use the internet, and the number of older users is rapidly increasing - users over 50 are set to dominate online shopping this year.

Benefits

While 'surfing the web', you'll have access to a wide range of information without leaving your home. The internet can be a great resource if you want to look up a topic or browse an internet auction site, find the cheapest deal for a new car or read about health matters or local history. You can even book holidays, research your family tree or chat online.

Some websites – like the search engine Google – are there to help you find exactly what you want online, and they give good search tips and advice on solving your internet queries.

• Google website

Internet courses and computer training

Most of the learning is informal, but if you want something more structured, there are a range of training courses available locally and nationally.

• Computer training for older people - Digital Unite website

Internet access and training in your community

Your local library or community centres often have internet access free of charge. Your local college may also provide courses.

• Find your local library (do it online section)

Paying for computer training

It's worth looking at the ways you can pay for your training. You might be able to get help to pay for a course.

• Financial help (education, learning and skills section)

Organisations for internet users over 50

The annual Silver Surfers' day has events countrywide to give you a taste of how the internet can add to your life. The last Silver Surfers' Day was on 21 May 2011.

• Silver Surfers on the Digital Unite website

Helping someone else get started on the internet

If you have a friend or family member who wants to get started on the internet there are websites to help them to learn and to suggest how you can support them.

• Helping someone get started online (leisure, home and community section)

Adapting a computer if you have special requirements

There are a number of ways to make a computer easier to use if you can't use a keyboard. A visual representation of a keyboard on the screen may make things easier. Letters can be selected from the on-screen keyboard using the mouse or a joystick.

Most computers have other basic built-in accessibility options including:

• text-to-speech features
• magnifiers which increase the particular part of the screen you point to

If you are deaf, or have a hearing impairment, some computers have on-screen displays that indicate to you when your computer makes an alert sound, for example, an incoming email message is received.

• Accessible technology (people with disabilities section)

More useful links

• Learning in your community (education, learning and skills section)
• Returning to learning (education, learning and skills section)